Caltrans stresses driver safety in work zones

CHP Capt. Todd Sturges speaks during a news conference on the John Knabenbauer Memorial 5th Street Bridge Wednesday in San Bernardino on Wednesday. Caltrans worker John Knabenbauer was killed while working in 2007.

Stephen Parks, an electrical supervisor for Caltrans, wants
drivers to think of him like their father or brother.

"Maybe then they'd treat it more seriously," Parks said during a
discussion of safety on area highways.

Three fatalities in the past three months involving Caltrans
workers struck on Southern California highways has officials
statewide stressing that drivers have to be aware and cautious in
construction zones and where they see maintenance and emergency
workers, ranging from police to Caltrans crews and tow truck
drivers.

CHP and Caltrans officials gathered in San Bernardino on
Wednesday to remind drivers that California law requires them, if
able, to move one lane away from stopped emergency and maintenance
vehicles.

"Those of us working on the side of the road rely on you for our
personal safety," said Caltrans District Director Ray Wolfe, the
department's head in the Inland area.

The three recent deaths occurred in San Diego and Imperial
counties. Stephen Palmer Sr., was killed May 4 when he was hit by a
trolley in National City, near San Diego. Jaime Obeso was killed by
an errant vehicle while working on Interstate 8 in Imperial County
on June 7. Richard Gonzalez, 52, was killed June 20 as he was
cleaning litter along Interstate 15, near Highway 94.

Following the deaths, Caltrans officials pulled maintenance
workers from the field and ordered safety training and discussions
for all workers. Changeable message signs around the state warn
drivers to be careful in work zones.

But officials said drivers also play an important role,
something legislators have also stressed. A state law passed in
2007, revised in 2009 to include Caltrans workers and tow truck
drivers, requires motorists to slow down and if possible move one
lane away from any emergency vehicles parked along state highways.
Statewide, about 2,200 citations have been issued from the
so-called "move over" law, said CHP Capt. Todd Struges.

Officials said the safety reminder also could save the lives of
drivers. Caltrans spokeswoman Terri Kasinga said 85 percent of the
people killed or injured in freeway work zones are drivers.

Caltrans workers, many who remembered close calls with cars and
trucks along the roads, said the law is vital to their safety. Many
said they feel drivers are desensitized to their presence on area
roads, and face too many distractions.

"Please, please, pay attention," Wolfe said, warning people not
to talk on cell phones or read email and text messages. "And don't
try to find that French fry that fell between the seat."

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